3DS eShop Launch Details

Gamers have been waiting for the type of content that will give them reason to pick up and play their brand new 3DS handhelds. You won't have to wait for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D or Star Fox 64 3D for movitation--the eShop will launch next week with downloadable games galore. And you know what? They're starting the Virtual Console service for the 3DS in strong fashion.

The brand new 3DS Virtual Console will kick things off with Super Mario Land for $4, Radar Mission for $3, and Alleyway for $3. I'm not too sure about that last one, but at least the first two games are pretty sweet and affordable. Additionally, 3DS gamers will get a free download of Excitebike 3D Classic, which is a remastered version of the old school racer amped up with stereoscopic 3D visuals. Act fast and download your copy ASAP because after the eShop hits the 30-day mark, you'll have to pay $6 if you want to get the game.

One of the coolest features about the 3DS Virtual Console is that gamers will be able to save at any point during their play sessions. I'm still not 100 percent sure about the details, but I'm guessing this is a save state-type feature much like the Wii's Virtual Console service has. It's an ingenious feature, and I'm glad Nintendo is bringing it in some capacity to the classic games on the 3DS.

The last bit of news regarding the eShop is the inclusion of a downloadable Pokedex app. Here you can look at Pokemon models in 3D, read up on the little critters, and trade information with others. It also lets you take and edit pictures of you with Pokemon--pretty neat.

The Nintendo 3DS eShop launches next week on Monday, June 6.

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David Sanchez
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